Author: Pat D

We were lucky enough to be able to gather for our semi-regular cousins dinner at Vita Bella in Essex this past weekend. We had not visited Vita Bella since it first opened so this provided a good opportunity for a review of a visit with a larger group. Eight of us gathered and had a wonderful experience with the food and service at Vita Bella in Essex. We were seated upstairs so Andy, our server, was absolutely getting his steps in with our visit over the weekend. We were all very happy with our selections from the nicely varied menu as well as with the service provided. I cannot remember each of the orders (we were chatting and catching up) but the included the Taste of Italy, Steak Tips, Chicken Alfredo, Pan Seared Halibut and Veal Marsala. Thank you Andy and the rest of the staff for keeping up with us! We will certainly be back.

We noticed this update from the House of Raven on Main Street. No additional information is available.

This handsome dude was watching over the activities at the dock at Capt Joe’s recently. Every business needs a manager…..

When we drive by Cedar Hill Farm on 133 in Essex , I am often tempted to stop and take some photos as it can be very picturesque. So when these horses posed for me, I just had to comply with some portraits. Feeling very much like fall.

Tomorrow’s the day! Cape Ann Maker’s Market is hosting a Sip and Shop at Cruiseport from 10-4 PM. Pat D’s Photos is happy to be among the fantastic vendors. We will be offering 2024 calendars, ornaments, puzzles, flags, prints and more. We have several great ideas for teacher gifts, Secret Santa programs and stocking stuffers. Stop by and say hello.

Happy Thanksgiving. My posts are published at 8 AM so maybe you are enjoying a quiet moment with your coffee before the day’s festivities. Perhaps you won’t see this until the end of the day. Regardless, I hope you can take a minute to sit with this video and contemplate gratitude.

Sharing information from Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative and downtown merchants:

I chased the setting sun around Smith Cove in East Gloucester late one recent afternoon and I think you’ll enjoy the results.

I’ve been hearing quite a bit about the fate of Apple St in Essex so I decided to take a ride to see this scenic roadway. I discovered a new (to me) trail and decided to explore a bit. The Warren Weld Woodland (say it 3 times fast) sits along Apple St and has a small parking area. The trail is leaf covered and surrounded by forest; though I did not go too far along the trail when I remembered I was alone and no one knew where I was! If you’re in a contemplative mood and need some time in the good old woods, I suggest taking the short ride and explore for yourself. I do not know what the residents will decided about Apple St but I expect to return to Warren Weld Woodland sometime soon!

Picking your favorite beach from among the crown jewels of Cape Ann is difficult and I know I shouldn’t….but Half Moon Beach at Stage Fort Park is my favorite. Easy access, small and friendly makes it overall “just right”. Maybe you agree.

I was drawn like a magnet to the breakwater at sunset recently.

Sharing news regarding the sale of Redbird.

If Pauline’s Gifts on Essex Ave is not on your list of stops when you are browsing or gift shopping, you are making a big mistake. The variety of well priced local items in combination with Pauline’s graciousness makes stopping by a win-win. Pauline supports local vendors and local outreach in big ways and it’s a pleasure to return the support. Thanks Pauline for all you do for Gloucester, the military, women and much more!

Pretty Isabella lit up at night.

One of our very loyal followers, David C., asked me recently to see what I could find out about the Oak Grove Cemetery on Washington St on behalf of a cousin seeking her ancestor’s gravesite. It’s EXACTLY the kind of challenge I relish. First off, I checked with Linn Parisi to ask her for guidance. Her advice led me to the Cape Ann Museum Library and Archives. (Thanks a bunch Linn!) The staff guided me to the right resource and I was able to find some leads to share with David and cousin Janet. We didn’t get all the way to actually locating the gravesite (yet) but we found the information we needed. I haven’t done family history research in an actual archive much lately and this was a welcome reminder of how fortunate we are in Gloucester to have such a rich collection of materials available in the City of Gloucester Archives, the Cape Ann Museum Library and Archives and the Sawyer Free Library local history section.

The Cape Ann Museum seems to be preparing for its upcoming special exhibit Above The Fold: The Photographers of the Gloucester Daily Times 1973-2005 opening Dec 2 as there are a number of older cameras on display in the library. It’s a lovely place just for a browse-around. There are amazingly specific titles available to cover all aspects of Gloucester history.

There are craft fairs and bazaars galore this coming weekend Nov 18-19! Opening day for Present at 273 East Main St (Last Stop shop) is Saturday at noon featuring some of our favorite vendors. St. Ann’s Bazaar also Saturday at St. Ann’s Lower church, a long time tradition. AND the Women’s Community Club of Magnolia will hold its Craft Fair and Luncheon Saturday Nov 18 at the Magnolia Library from 9-2. Pat D’s Photos will be featuring holiday gift ideas as you see in the images here. Stop by and say hello! Still time to take orders for Christmas gift giving!

We got a little bit off track in our normal Sunday routine for a while so it had been a little while since we’d had our Sunday at the Azorean on Washington St. until recently. No steps have been lost in the service, the tastiness and menu variety! It’s so relaxing and enjoyable no matter what food-mood we are in. I chose Shrimp Mozambique rather than my usual beef and I was not disappointed. It was a little spicier than I expected which I relished! Jim had Stuffed Shrimp (not pictured) and Kale Soup. We each indulged in dessert. As always, it was a lovely evening out and only a short ride from nearly anywhere in Gloucester.

The 29th annual Sal Grasso Memorial Ice Hockey Tournament was held this weekend in Gloucester. We were in attendance at the final Bantam contest Sunday afternoon and I think we agree that the ice hockey future is bright for Gloucester! Here are some of the photos, though if you see something a little funky it’s the barrier which is a little scarred. I’m a little out of practice with hockey photos but I think these tell a pretty good story for the players and their families.

The tree has arrived from Nova Scotia and is awaiting the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. You can follow the Kent Circle Tree Lighting Facebook page for updates; the lighting is traditionally held the Sunday following Thanksgiving: Nov 26 2023. The annual parade will kick off from the State Fish Pier at 3 PM and proceed to Kent Circle for the tree lighting. Hoping to see you there! **UPDATED SINCE POST CREATED: The tree is up! Thanks Ringo and crew!***

Don’t forget the Holiday Craft Fair today (Saturday Nov 11) at the Gloucester Fraternity Club on Webster Street from 11 – 3. Many of your favorite vendors will be there AND you support a good cause: Special Needs Dances and Cape Ann Timebank.